London is one of the largest cities in the world, offering visitors thousands of things to do! Between the countless museums, churches, parks, historical sites, planning a trip to London can be overwhelming, especially for first time visitors. If you are like me, figuring out the public transport, deciding which neighborhood to base yourself in, what sights to see and activities to do, can lead to sleepless nights !
If you are planning to visit London and don’t know where to start, then let me help you😊 This guide provides a mix of the traditional tourist sights (the museums, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge) and some of the less visited places that typically don’t feature on every tourist’s radar.
Big cities can be expensive, but London has a ton of free activities and attractions to choose from! Between the free museums, lovely parks, observation decks and other fun attractions, you can save your £££ for accommodations and meals.
But even if this is your first time in London, highly recommend exploring beyond the city. With just a 60-90 minute train ride from Central London, you can easily get to some of the neighboring towns. I visited Bath, Cotswolds, Canterbury, Brighton and Windsor on this trip. Click on the individual links to read more about each of them.
Best way to get around the city
London has an AMAZING public transportation system! The London Underground (“the Tube”) is the oldest subway in the world, founded in 1863. Between the tube, train and buses, you can easily get around the city without burning a hole in your pocket.
You can either buy individual tickets for each ride or a day pass. There are a few different options to pay for rides on the tube, buses, and trains in London.
- An Oyster Card is a plastic card, almost the same size as a credit card. You can get an Oyster Card at any tube / train station. All you need to do is load it with money and you can use this Card for public transport throughout London, including the tube and buses. But note that only one Oyster Card can be used per person. So, if you’re traveling with friends or family, each one needs to get their own card.
- If you have a contactless credit card or digital wallet (Google Pay or Apple Pay), then you don’t need to buy an Oyster card. Simply tap your contactless card or phone at entry and exit. But ensure you tap the same card throughout the day.
- If you do not have a contactless card and don’t want to buy an Oyster Card, then you can buy a travelcard. A one-day travelcard costs £15.9. If you are in London for longer, then you can buy a week-long travelcard for £42.70. But keep in mind that Oyster/ contactless cards end up being cheaper than this travelcard. For instance, daily cap on Oyster/ contactless Card for Zones 1 and 2 (where most of the tourist attractions are located) is £8.5 whereas you end up paying £15.9 for the travelcard.
If you don’t want to use the tube, you can hop on the classic red, double-decker buses to get around the city. Similar to the train/ tube, you can use your Oyster Card, contactless credit card, digital wallet or travelcard to ride these buses.
And if you want to avoid the tube/ train bus hassle altogether, or are tired after a long day of exploring, then simply hail a cab via UBER / Lyft/ Bolt apps.
How Many Days Required
You can spend a lifetime and still find new things to discover and explore in this city. But as a first-time visitor, recommend spending at least 3-4 days to truly get a feel of one of the most iconic cities in the world!
If you here for longer, then hop on a train and explore the neighboring towns. There are several cities just a short train ride away from Central London. They offer a totally different experience compared to London!! You can get either join group tours via GetYourGuide or Viator or explore on your own.
Where to Stay
London is an expensive and huge city. With all the attractions spread out, it can be overwhelming to pick where to stay in London.
London has a few different neighborhoods, all offering different experiences. There isn’t one “right” neighborhood to stay in. The perfect place to stay in London depends on what you plan to see and do in London. Be strategic about picking your accommodation so you avoid running back and forth across the city.
Luckily, London is well-connected via public transportation and very walkable! So even if the places you want to visit aren’t in the neighborhood you are staying in, you can easily visit them.
I recommend staying somewhere relatively central if you’ve either got a short trip or it’s your first time in London. If you’re looking for a central location and great food and drinks, stay in Southbank.
If you want to stay in the middle of all the action, stay in Covent Garden. It is touristy for sure, but the central location and great public transportation connections make it easy to get around the city. Plus, it is full of great bars, restaurants and coffee shops and lively throughout the day.
If you are looking to mainly shop in the city, then stay near Bond Street and Oxford Street.
If you want to stay in an upscale neighborhood which is more local vs touristy, then check out Notting Hill, Chelsea and Kensington areas.
If you’re looking for something more offbeat and relatively cheaper, check out the Shoreditch neighborhood. Lots of vintage stores, hipster coffee shops, nightlife, and great street art in this area.
Whichever neighborhood you end up choosing, just ensure it is within walking distance from a train/ bus stop.
I ended up staying at The Cumberland Hotel, right next to Hyde Park and Marble Arch train station. The rooms were decently sized, clean and comfortable. And the best part was the location, literally a 2 minute walk to the train station.
Things to Do and Places to Visit
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of the royal family since 1837. While none of the family members live here at the moment, today, it is the administrative headquarters of the Monarch.
The Royal Palaces are protected by guards, who are are responsible for His Majesty’s safety.
One of the most popular attractions in London is the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace. During this ceremony, the guards who have been protecting Buckingham Palace and St James’s Palace are replaced by new guards. The regiments are always accompanied by military bands and it makes for a great show.
If you are keen on experiencing this, then check out the official schedule here, before your visit. Try to get here at least 30-45 minutes before the ceremony if you want to get a good view of the ceremony.
The best spot to witness this ceremony is from St James Place, from where you get a front-row seat to the royal spectacle, without all the crowd (or rather lesser crowd).
While the Palace itself is obviously off-limits to visitors, do you know that the Palace partially opens up for tourists during summer months? If you want to get a glimpse into royal life, marvel at the opulent interiors, stroll the grand state rooms and lush gardens, then you could very well do that! Click here to read more and buy tickets.
Parliament Square (Big Ben and Westminster Abbey)
This square is a popular one since it is surrounded by famous buildings like the Westminster Abbey, the Supreme Court, the Houses of Parliament and the Big Ben. And its also steps away from 10 Downing Street. Anyone want to pop in and say hello to Mr. Sunak 😉
Westminster Abbey is one of England’s most famous churches, and the architecture is stunning! A little fun fact for all you royal family fans – Prince William got married to Kate Middleton here in April 2011.
If you plan to visit Westminster Abbey, you can book your tickets in advance here.
Once you are done with the church, walk towards the Houses of Parliament. As you are walking, you will notice the famous red telephone booths. With the Big Ben in its backdrop, it makes for a great photo spot. Type in “K2 Telephone Box” in Google Maps to get to this exact location.
Once you get to the Houses of Parliament, you can take a guided tour that allows you to access certain parts of the complex. Right outside the Houses of Parliament, you will see the iconic Big Ben. Did you know that Big Ben is the nickname for the large, iconic clock in Elizabeth Tower in Westminster? Although the full tower is called The Elizabeth Tower, and Big Ben is just the clock inside of it, it is commonly called as Big Ben.
Once you are done, walk across the river and admire the beautiful views. And once you get to the other side, you are literally steps away from the London Eye.
As soon as you get off the bridge, type in “Bridge Arch Photo” in Google Maps. Beneath the Westminster Bridge is a passageway. As you emerge from the passageway, you get a lovely view of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben framed by the archway.
London Eye
Yet another place which has become an icon of the city ever since it first opened, is the London Eye. From the London Eye, visitors can enjoy bird’s eye view of several parks, the Shard (tallest building in London), Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge as well as the Greater London area. On a clear day, the London Eye offers views extending as far as Windsor Castle.
The standard London Eye ride lasts for 30 minutes and an individual ticket costs GBP 30-42 per person. If you plan on visiting The Westminster Abbey and doing the river cruises, then you can even buy combo tickets and save some ££. Click here to read more.
Personally, I wouldn’t recommend buying a London Eye ticket. If you compare London with other big cities like NYC or Dubai or Tokyo, the skyline isn’t that noteworthy. With very few high rises, most of the iconic structures are clearly visible from the ground. So why pay extra to get a bird’s eye view of the city? Plus, there are various observation decks which offer great views of the city for absolutely fee. So, rather go there and save your pounds for good drinks and food.
Observation Decks
Unlike cities like NYC, Dubai, Chicago where you have shell out £££ to get a bird’s eye view of the city, in London, you can actually admire the skyline for free.
Keep in mind that the tickets, while free, are subject to availability. You can book your tickets online via their individual websites. All you need to do is select your time slot and provide your email address. Even if you arrive a few minutes after your scheduled time slot, it shouldn’t be a problem. But if you arrive 4-5 hours after the scheduled time, you may not be able to enter. For best views, try to book a sunset hour slot so you can enjoy the daytime as well as night-time views.
The first two viewpoints mentioned below sell out quite quickly (sometimes months in advance). So, if you are certain of visiting, highly recommend booking in advance.
Most of these observation decks located in the financial district area. I was lucky enough to visit them all and have summarized them for you below:
Horizon 22
This is London’s highest viewing platform and arguably, the best free viewpoint in the city. Horizon 22 is located inside London’s second tallest building, 22 Bishopsgate, in the heart of the Financial District. The observation deck is located on the 58th floor.
Because 22 Bishopsgate is the tallest building in the area, there is nothing blocking the view. This means that you get an uninterrupted look at some the city’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, London Eye (partial view) and the Tower Bridge to name a few.
After you are done taking in the views, you can grab a coffee or small bites from their café.
Sky Garden
Sky Garden is London’s highest public garden – a vibrant social space with 360-degree views of the city’s iconic skyline. Here, you can experience London from a spectacular viewpoint while sitting amidst lush greenery, exquisitely landscaped gardens and an open-air terrace.
Once you are done with security, the elevator will bring you to the 35th floor. As you step out, you walk straight into the garden. On each side, there are steps which take you up around the back. Between the seating area and the staircase is where the garden is located. With various different types of tropical plants, including trees, it is a beautfiful green paradise.
You can also step on terrace to get 360-degree views of the city.
There is a cafe and bar in the centre from where you can grab drinks. If you are looking for a more formal seating, check out Fenchurch Restaurant, Darwin Brasserie and Larch Restaurant. If you are keen on dining at any of these restaurants, advisable to make reservations in advance.
One of the things that I really liked about Sky Garden was that it had quite a relaxed atmosphere. With several sofas, coffee tables as well as high chairs, you can simply grab a drink and spend hours taking in the view.
If I had to compare the two, Sky Garden is much more crowded than Horizon 22. Also, since it is a few floors shorter, it has a less impressive view. With that said, the Sky Garden edges out with an incredible interior design and an open terrace, along with high-end restaurants and bars.
The Lookout
Opened in 2023, this 50th floor viewing platform is located right in the heart of the financial district. While the views are great, the floor itself is empty, with just a few chairs sitting around.
While it offers somewhat the same views as the earlier two decks, it was the least impressive viewing deck I visited. If you are unable to get tickets to Horizon 22 / Sky Garden, then you can visit this one, or can easily skip it.
Yet another free viewing spot is Garden at 120, London’s largest public rooftop area. The building isn’t as tall as others that surround it, meaning the views are not quite as impressive as the nearby Sky Garden. There is however a lot of space, including plenty of places to sit down and take in the views.
Tower Bridge
When I think of London, the first image that comes to my mind is of the Tower Bridge. It is undoubtedly the most picturesque and iconic bridge in London. Keep in mind that the Tower Bridge and London Bridge are two different bridges so ensure you put the right name when you are looking for directions in GoogleMaps.
For best view of the Bridge, head to Potters Fields Park. When we visited in spring, this place was full of spring blooms. It was such a sight to behold!
Once you are done taking in the views, get on the Tower Bridge, and walk across the Bridge on the pedestrian walkways on either side of the road.
If want to climb the tower, take in stunning panoramic views, and experience the thrill of seeing London through the Glass Floors, then you can buy tickets here.
If you are looking for a unique perspective of the Bridge, type in “Horseleydown steps” on Google Maps. These steps can be found just east of Tower Bridge on the south bank of the Thames. Simply walk through the small passageway and carefully down the stairs to reach the stony beach. Once down onto the beach, you will see get a unique view of Tower Bridge.
Tower of London
Established in 1066, the Tower of London is a historic fortress which has served as a royal palace, a prison, a mint, and a menagerie, and is now a popular tourist attraction. This iconic landmark is a place where history comes to life.
Remember the famous Kohinoor diamond that the British, ahem, stole from India? Well, you can find this exquisite piece on display at the Tower of London.
You can buy tickets either outside of the Tower or online by clicking on this link. Once you are inside, you can visit the world-famous Crown Jewels or you can just walk around taking in the amazing architecture.
Trafalgar Square
This is a lively square with a picturesque fountain that is surrounded by restaurants and pubs, statues, and historic buildings.
Once in the square, admire Nelson’s Column, take a photo with one of the famous lion statues, or simply relax by the fountain.
Stroll through the Gardens
London has so many gorgeous parks that you are truly going to be spoilt for choice!
Some of the lovely parks that you can add to your London itinerary are:
- Hyde Park
- St James’ Park
- Green Park (right next to Buckingham Palace)
- Regents Park
- Holland park
- Kyoto Gardens
- Kew Gardens
- Kensington gardens
- Primrose Hill (for the views)
- St Duncan in the East
Sharing a few pictures from my visit to Regents Park on a glorious spring day. With an endless sea of daisies, it truly felt like I had walked into Monet’s painting.
If you are visiting during spring, then certainly stop by Victoria Embankment Gardens, located steps away from Covent Garden. It has tulips in every possible colour and will truly blow your mind ! Battersea Park is yet another park not to be missed during the cherry blossom season.
Explore the Food and other Local Markets
London has a variety of food and local markets suiting every budget. Here are some of the markets that you absolutely cannot miss on your trip to London:
Borough Market
Situated close to the Tower Bridge, it is one of the most popular and oldest markets in the entire United Kingdom. Borough Market is filled with fresh produce, fresh meats, fish, baked goods, cheeses, flowers, wines, spices as well as food stalls. You will also find several bars and restaurants lining the streets around the market.
The market is essentially split into two main sections: the ready-to-eat food section and the gourmet food items section. Take your time wandering around the gourmet food section of the market and, when you’re ready for food, head over to the section with all the food stalls to grab a bite.
Remember the viral chocolate and strawberries that was all over Instagram last year? You can find them at Borough Market. When I got there, there were at least 20 people lined up to get their hands on these viral chocolate strawberries! Also, it was going to be impossible to finish it all by myself (since I brother wasn’t too keen on eating them) ! So, we skipped it.
Instead, we grabbed a mixed fruit juice from one of the local stands, followed it up with empanadas from Portena and truffle and burrata pasta from La Tua Pasta. We ended the meal with pistachio and crème brulee donuts from Bread Ahead. So worth the hype!
Borough Market is open everyday except Mondays and is operational from 10 am to 5 pm so plan your visit accordingly.
Camden Market
Camden Town is one of London’s hippest, most eclectic districts. The streets here are lined with quirky shops selling vintage to gothic clothing to unique jewellery! It has a distinctly Boho vibe, making it one of the best places for people-watching and the perfect location to pick up unique souvenirs.
Once you have reached Camden Town Market, spend some time wandering the markets. In addition to the food stalls, there are a huge amount of clothes and accessories stalls too. Just like Borough Market, Camden Market is also a food lovers paradise. You will find regional specialties from all over the world here, from Spanish paella to Colombian cuisine to Indian food!
Camden isn’t just for tourists though. You will find plenty of locals heading to Camden on weekends to grab a bite at the Market, chill by the canal and have a few drinks in the many pubs and bars in Camden.
Another thing Camden is famous for is the legacy of Amy Winehouse who lived in Camden until her death in 2011. You will also find an Amy Winehouse statue within this Market which is usually filled with people queuing to take photos with her.
Now coming to the food, you might think that you have seen loaded fries before — I am telling you that you have never tried anything like the Funky Chips. Even the small size is HUGE. You can personalise it with different meats, cheeses, and sauces. It is insanely big portion so definitely don’t try to eat it all by yourself !
We grabbed an Italian flatbread / wrap at Piadina Mia. With a generous filling of veggies tossed in olive oil and a delicious pesto sauce, we gobbled it up in no time. We loved it so much that we instantly went for Round 2!
We ended our meal with the iconic Humble Crumble. It is the perfect dessert on a cold rainy day. You pick your fruit (apple, rhubarb and strawberry or seasons special), the crumble (duh) and top it up with your favorite toppings. I ended up getting the cherry crumble – it was so good!
While the above are the most frequently visited food markets, here are couple other markets that you can check out in London:
- Seven Dials Market – A food hall with 20 independent traders and two bars, in the heart of Covent Garden.
- Portobello Market – A market with quaint cafes, cute pastel-coloured houses as a backdrop and vintage clothing.
- Spitalfields Market – A market comprising independent stores selling everything from books, to clothes, to food, to coffee. It’s a great place to stroll around for an hour or two, and enjoy breakfast or lunch.
- Brick Lane Market – If you are a foodie, you are going to love this market! It is the heart of London’s Bangladeshi community (the street signs are in English and Bengali) and the area’s curry houses are truly unbeatable.
- Greenwich Market – Utterly hip and charmingly artsy, Greenwich Market is home to stacks of books and vinyl records, vintage fashions and a tempting array of foods.
The one market that I was absolutely looking forward to visiting was Columbia Road Flower Market. Located in the Bethnal Green neighborhood of London’s East End, this Market is a weekly flower and plant market held every Sunday. This normally quiet street turns into a bustling scene of activity on Sunday mornings. The market is full of gorgeous flowers and plants, lots of lovely little shops/coffee spots and cute arts and crafts galleries.
If you are a flower lover, you have to add this to your itinerary! Sadly, I wasn’t in London on a Sunday and hence, had to give it a miss ☹️
St Paul’s Cathedral
St Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most significant religious structures in the city, and a stunning sight. Did you know Princess Diana and Prince Charles got married here ?
You can also visit it from inside by buying tickets here. Once you are inside, admire the beautiful architecture and notice the intricate details. You can also climb the dome for stunning views over London. It’s over 500 steps to the top so ensure you wear comfortable shoes.
Leadenhall Market
If you are in the financial district area, make a little pitstop at the Leadenhall market. It has a few shops, cafes and restaurants. But what truly blew my mind was the beautiful architecture ! Look at this 😊
Isn’t it simply breathtaking?
Visit the Iconic Stores
Even if you don’t like shopping, you have to check out some of the famous luxury department stores in this city.
Harrods
Harrods is what Saks 5th Avenue is in NYC or Galeries Lafayette in Paris.
It was founded by Charles Harrod in 1835 and has now become the best-known British department store in the world. While most of the items there are well beyond anyone’s budget, it still makes a fun experience. And don’t worry, 95% of the people inside are tourists just like you who have come for window shopping 😊
And if all the walking makes you hungry, you can check out the food hall, where you can find (relatively) reasonably priced food and drinks. But if you fancy a splurge and are looking for something more classy, then check out Prada café as well as Tiffany’s – both are located inside Harrods.
If you don’t want to eat inside Harrods, check out EL&N and L’Eto located right outside Harrods. EL&N is known for being “the most Instagrammable cafe in the world” – and I can attest that it is extremely accurate! We grabbed a French toast and rosemary potatoes for brunch here and both were delicious! L’Eto has a range of delicious cakes to choose from so if you have a sweet tooth, certainly pop in.
Fortnum & Mason
Fortnum & Mason is yet another upmarket department store in London. The store was founded in 1707 and sells a wide range of luxury food items, including teas, coffees, chocolates, preserves, and biscuits, as well as a selection of wines and spirits. In addition, Fortnum & Mason has a variety of gift items, such as hampers, gift boxes, and personalized gifts. The afternoon tea here is particularly famous, so you may want to check it out.
Selfridges and Liberty are yet another department stores to visit if you are in the area.
Covent Garden, Leicester Square and Nearby Areas
Covent Garden is located in the heart of Central London. It is a shopping and entertainment hub, filled with restaurants, pubs and bars.
Covent Garden Market, also known as Apple Market, is home to lots of independent shops, and also houses stalls selling unique jewellery, clothes, art and antiques. This is a nice place to visit all year round but it’s a great place to visit on a rainy day. 
If you are tired of all the walking around in London, simply grab a seat and enjoy the street performers. You can even grab something to eat from one of the cafes / shops inside and rest your feet.
I grabbed a coffee from Arabica and a hazelnut and pistachio gelato from Venchi located inside the Apple Market.
A few steps away from Covent Garden is Jubilee Market Hall which sells antiques, clothes and knick-knacks.
If you are travelling with kids, then you can check out the London Transport Museum and learn about London’s Underground and bus system. It certainly makes for an interesting and fun visit with kids.
Once you are done with Covent Garden, head over to Neal’s Yard. This place in Covent Garden is a hidden gem. It is very small and can only be accessed by two small alleyways which are easy to miss! Inside are a few small cafes and restaurants and small shops. It is probably the most colourful area in the city of London.
On your way to Neal’s Yard or after you’ve been, be sure to check out the shops and streets nearby such as Goodwin’s Court, Cecil Street, Floral Street.
You will find countless theaters in Covent Garden and Leicester Square area. Hamilton, Book of Mormon, and Lion King, and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child are some of the most popular shows to watch in London. You can purchase tickets ahead of time or try your luck with last-minute tickets on this website.
Less than a 10 minute walk from Covent Garden, you will find yourself in Chinatown – the bright red Chinese lanterns welcome you to Chinatown. Here you will find authentic Chinese food, traditional medicines and therapies like reflexology. It is the hub of the Chinese community in London!
Piccadilly Circus
This place is said to be the “Times Square of London.”
Piccadilly Circus is a popular tourist destination and the most famous square in the West End of London. It serves as a junction that connects six very busy streets. Similar to Times Square, you will find big screens showing advertisements and the whole area is buzzing with people irrespective of the time and day.
This square is one of the liveliest areas in London and the perfect spot for those looking to enjoying nightlife. If you continue walking, you will find yourself at Regent Street. This whole street is lined with shops and it is one of the prettiest spots during Christmas time.
Museums
Unlike most other cities, where you have to shell out a lot of money to visit the museums, the main museums in London are free. Also, you know, London is a very rainy city. So, what better way to spend a rainy day than by doing some museum hopping?
The first one that I recommend visiting, specially if you are traveling with kids, is the Natural History Museum in South Kensington. This museum is home to millions of exhibits and specimens that tell the story of life on earth over billions of years.
A stunning 25.2-metre-long blue whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling takes the centre stage, giving visitors the opportunity to walk underneath the largest creature ever to have lived. This skeleton is made up of 221 bones and is suspended in the exact diving position it would use to feed.
It will make your jaw drop, literally !
Right next to the Natural History Museum is Victoria & Albert Museum. While entry here is free of charge, if you want to see certain exhibits, you may have to shell out a fee. But even if you don’t want to spend extra, there is a lot to see and admire here.
The permanent collections date back 5000 years and feature ceramics, costumes, paintings, sculptures, and jewelry from a range of countries and cultures. The museum also hosts several temporary exhibitions from fashion designers, architects, activists and more.
Once you are done browsing, head to the café. Here you can enjoy a wide selection of hot food, salads, sandwiches, cakes, tea and coffee. But what really stands out is the architecture – the details on the ceiling, the chandeliers, the stained glass windows, mosaic tiles – simply breathtaking ! 
While I had the time to visit just these two museums, the other popular museums worth checking out at the British Museum and Tate Modern.
Notting Hill
If you like pretty pastel coloured buildings, then you have to check out Notting Hill neighborhood of London.
Start your morning in Notting Hill at Notting Hill Gate station. From there, embark on a self-guided walking tour of one of London’s most charming neighborhoods, made famous by the movie of the same name.
You essentially need to follow Portobello Road all the way through the neighborhood from south to north, which will take you to the Portobello Road Market and the colorful houses at the other end of the neighborhood. 
Also, if you are visiting in spring months, keep your eye out on beautiful wisterias and magnolias adorning the houses.
Also, browse by the stalls at Portobello Road Market, where you will find unique souvenirs and antiques.
As you are walking, you will come across Notting Hill Bookshop. This bookshop became famous after it was featured in the Notting Hill movie featuring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts.
A little further, you will find another lovely bookstore, Lutyens & Rubinstein. While Notting Hill was filled with tourists, this one provided a more authentic experience. And how adorable is that ceiling!
Some of the streets worth checking out in the Notting Hill neighborhood are Saint Lukes Mews (which featured in the movie, Love Actually), Lancaster Road, Colville Terrace, Conduit Mews, Pencombe Mews (in spring season for wisteria).
Little Venice
Remember I told you I will also list a few hidden gems to add to your itinerary?
Little Venice, with its beautiful canals and waterways, is just a 10-minute walk from Paddington station. Here you will find cute waterside cafes, cosy pubs and charming restaurants. In fact, some of the boats have also been converted into cafes.
Little Venice offers a quiet walk closer to nature away from the touristy and crowded attractions. Walk the long stretch along the canal taking in the scenic views. You can even hop on a boat and go on a boat ride in the Regent Canal between Little Venice and Camden Market.
Grab a meal from one of the many cafes and restaurants or simply stretch your legs by the canal and eat your snacks/ packed food.
I went for a stroll here early morning before the cafes or restaurants had even opened for the day. I was basically walking beside locals jogging around the canal and people commuting to work. The light wasn’t the best for photos but I totally enjoyed my morning stroll here.
While this spot is popular among locals, you will find very few tourists here.
Shoreditch
Shoreditch is one of the coolest neighborhoods in the city. It is also one of the best areas of London for street art. The best areas to find the street art are Redchurch Street, King John Court, along Brick Lane and New Inn Yard.
One another fun place to check out here is Boxpark – a two-level street food and live events venue made from shipping containers. Each container houses a different shop or restaurant and it is a fun place to eat, drink, and shop.
We stopped by Aida for a rose latte and it was so delicious! And look at this pretty cuppa 😊
Harry Potter Fans
If you are a true die-hard fan, then you need to go a little farther away from the city to Warner Bros. Studios – The Making of Harry Potter. Here, you will be able to see the sets, props, costumes that were used while filming all 8 Harry Potter movies.
However, this is quite far from the city and can take an entire day from your schedule. So if you don’t want to go all the way there, you can find a few Harry Potter related things in the city itself.
Remember the iconic Platform 3/4th in the movies? You will find it at King’s Cross station. There is also a trolley stacked with luggage and an owl cage halfway through the wall, just like in the movies😉 But this spot is quite popular and don’t be surprised if there is a long queue to take a photo.
Here are couple other spots that you can check out in the city:
- Leadenhall Market shows up in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone as the exterior for Diagon Alley and the Leaky Cauldron.
- Millenium Bridge was used in the opening scene of the 5th Movie.
- St Pancras Renaissance Hotel was used as the entrance to King’s Cross station in Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets.
There are several Harry Potter stores all around the city which you can take a peek into while roaming around the city.
Visit Iconic Bookstores
Personally I love browsing through bookstores. Even if you are not an avid reader, here are some of the bookstores worth checking out in London.
Notting Hill Bookshop and Lutyens & Rubinstein in Notting Hill neighborhood.
Daunt Bookshop in Marylebone – this may be London’s most beautiful bookshop. Occupying an Edwardian building on Marylebone High Street, the main room and stained-glass windows will make you speechless. All the books are arranged by country – regardless of content – which makes for a fun and unique browsing experience. A fun and easy way to travel around the world, isn’t it 😉
Although their book selection is great, the building and atmosphere of Daunt Books with their wooden staircases and stained glass windows are what makes the bookstore one of the best!
John Sandoe Bookshop – I stumbled across this beautiful bookshop in a Chelsea.
Word on the Water is a unique floating bookshop. Located near King’s Cross, it is filled with new and second-hand books.
Check out the Mews
When you think about the streets of London, you most likely will be thinking about the busy shopping streets, like Oxford Street or Regent street. But if you want to take a step back into London’s history and look for some of the most charming streets of London, then why not go on a self-guided tour of the mews?
Mews are narrow little streets, usually lined with cobblestones, that run behind or perpendicular to main roads in London. Historically, they were where carriage houses and horse stables were located before cars became mainstream.
Mews are very unique to London and very rarely seen in any other city. Today, these mews properties have been converted into million-dollar homes. The mews are also very photogenic, with houses often painted in bright colours. Their original cobbled roads are still intact.
Some of the popular mews in the city are St Luke’s mews, Kynance Mews (must visit in spring and autumn), Conduit Mews, Pencombe Mews, Simon Close. Most of these mews are located in Notting Hill, Kensington and Chelsea neighborhoods.
*All prices are as of April 2024